Lanmizik San Frontyer-Bringing back the bands |25 September 2004

With a swift evolution in the types of musical instruments, especially keyboards which play recorded tunes, many local bands have ceased to exist.

Six or seven-member bands have been replaced by one-man band with a musician most of the time playing a guitar, while drums, percussion, bass guitar having been programmed on a keyboard. 

Those who have gone into this kind of music business say it is much cheaper compared to maintaining a full-size band with a drummer, a lead guitarist, bass guitarist, two keyboard players and at times people playing brass instruments.

To help bring back the kind of atmosphere which surrounded live bands, Lanmizik San Frontyer, the association of musicians and artists, is organising a band festival at the Stad Popiler car park Sunday September 26.

The festival will kick off at 2 p.m. and at least 10 bands, among which are Emotions and Zenith, will entertain until 6.30 p.m.

The event will coincide with the activities being organised to commemorate Tourism Week from September 20 to 27.

Each band will have the opportunity to perform for 20 minutes. According to Patrick Victor, chairman of Lanmizik San Frontyer, the event, which has been organised by the association in close collaboration with the National Arts Council (Nac), is an opening for other activities to promote local bands.

Mr Victor said that if the September 26 band festival is a success, it will become an annual event.